The Kansas Department of Agriculture has issued an Animal Health Alert for a potentially lethal virus in horses.
The KDA’s Division of Animal Health is following confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy in Oklahoma and Texas after the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s World Finals in Waco, Texas, from Nov. 5-9. The Barrel Horse News, Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo and part of the Barrel Futurities Association World Championships have all been canceled as a result of the virus.
Dr Scott Gordon of Emporia Veterinary Hospital says this version of equine herpesvirus is problematic because it attacks the nervous system.
Dr Katie Miller of Rocking KM Veterinary Service says the contagious nature of the virus, and its lethality rate — anywhere from 30-50 percent — are significant concerns.
The EHV-1 variant hasn’t been confirmed in Kansas, but Dr Miller says she knows there are some area horses that have been potentially exposed because of recent horse events. During the 14-day quarantine period, Dr Miller says horse owners need to watch for several symptoms.
Acyclovir may help slow down the infection, but supportive care is recommended.
The virus cannot transfer to humans or non-equine livestock, but it can affect donkeys, mules and zebras. Standard guidance has owners putting horses at least 30 feet apart. Both Drs Miller and Gordon say there should be a wider radius with this developing outbreak.
Dr Miller also says horse owners should be ready to change their clothes regularly if horses begin showing symptoms or are confirmed as infected.
Officials at upcoming horse-related events, especially the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas early next month, are closely watching the spread of EHV-1 to see whether they need to adjust their schedules or cancel their events.
The Equine Disease Communication Center has a special online page for outbreak information. Horse owners with questions can also call the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.
